THE PAISANO
Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio Community /PaisanoOnline /ThePaisano @paisanomedia
Student drums out religious Protester
By Khoi Nguyen Staff Writer
Students gathered to counterprotest religious demonstrator
Daniel John Lee, who was carrying a banner listing groups whom he believed should “go to hell!!” Arriving at the Sombrilla on Feb. 26 at 11 a.m., Lee attracted the attention of students at 1 p.m., who began counter-protesting and chanting “No more lies, no more hate.”
The list included atheists, baby killers, drug users, drunkards, false religions, fornicators, homosexuals, racists, sin approvers, thieves, transgenders and unrepentant sinners.
Minutes later, UTSA student Zach Bocchetto assembled a drum set before the growing crowd. He drowned out Lee with his playing as several students began dancing around and tipping him.
Lee, who calls himself a “street preacher,” has visited campuses across the U.S. for over 25 years, previously rousing crowds at Binghamton University and the University of Nevada-Reno. He has built a reputation for debating students, as his visits are often posted on
Rumble, a social media platform popular among conservative content creators and conspiracy theorists. During a prior visit to UTSA, he was confronted by Dean of Students LT Robinson and the UTSA Police Department, who confiscated another banner.
Students observing the scene expressed a wide range of opinions concerning Lee’s visits. While many acknowledge his right to freedom of speech, others have pointed out that his messages can be inflammatory.
“I think it’s free speech. It’s a reflection of who you are, not anything else. Whatever you feel, that’s what you feel,”
Jayla Mitchell, who was on-site, said.
“Free speech is [not] freedom [from] consequence,” Luna Rose, another observer, said. “I agree you should be able to speak out. You should be able to say whatever, but that shouldn’t protect you from the consequences. That doesn’t mean people shouldn’t be mad at you for saying outright hateful things.”
Raised in a Southern Baptist household, Bocchetto recalls former experiences with rhetoric similar to Lee’s. He points out that strong and often controversial beliefs are built early on.
“I have no issue with Christianity. I don’t even blame these people for this sort of rhetoric,” Bocchetto said. “I think a lot of times you just grow up with it, and you don’t really think of it.”
This, however, did not stop him from interrupting Lee’s remarks as he drummed for over 50 minutes.
“I would have loved to engage with this guy on some of his points, but when we’re all yelling at each other on a college campus outside, this isn’t really the space for that,” Bocchetto said. “I figured I’d kind of fight fire with fire.”
“I think the music was the proper response,” an on-site witness said. “There were people yelling and [getting] aggressive. I think it’s good to just have everyone come together.”
“I like the vibe, the music,” Liyah Garza, who was on the edge of the crowd, said.
As Bocchetto continued playing, students rose to the platform Lee stood on and began dancing, many holding pride flags.
“I’m just here because I’m passionate, and I like dancing,” said Emilio Alvarado, who danced holding a nonbinary flag next to Lee. “I’m just gay, and I wanted to be
University Oaks residents come forward
gay!”
Students expressed gratitude for Bocchetto’s performance as he played on and off before ultimately stopping at 2:23 p.m. Many thanked and hugged him, commending his stance.
“I’m proud of our campus. [Seeing] so many people rally against hate, so many people rallying for acceptance of your fellow person no matter what is inspiring,” Luna Rose said. “It makes me a little bit more comfortable to be on campus.”
Others, however, criticized Bocchetto’s performance, claiming it detracted from meaningful dialogue.
“I don’t see a lot of love in this situation,” another witness said. “I personally prefer a more delegated, humane conversation, and I don’t necessarily see that.”
For Bocchetto, playing was a productive form of protest. He voiced his appreciation for the solidarity among the counterprotesters.
“I love that we’re all kind of here for the same cause — fighting this hate in the world. Hate is inevitable, but so is the resistance against it.”
with safety concerns Residents express concerns about ongoing safety issues in their community
By Jasmine Williams Managing Editor
A male and female resident of University Oaks, who wished to remain anonymous, raised concerns in an exclusive interview regarding the safety of living at University Oaks apartments in the wake of last year’s sexual assault.
When asked if UTSA or University Oaks has done enough to increase security since Oct. 6, 2024, the male resident said, “It’s never enough.”
Associate Vice President for Strategic Communications and External Affairs Joe Izbrand provided a summary of the actions taken by the UTSA Police Department, UTSA Public Safety and UTSA leadership as a result of the incident.
According to Izbrand’s statement, since Oct. 6, UTSAPD has worked closely with other law enforcement agencies and implemented additional patrols during the evening hours, including vehicle, bicycle and foot patrols.
The female resident commented on whether she felt safe as a result of the increased police presence.
“It didn’t,” she said. “It didn’t make me safe. The guy is still out there. So why on earth are you gonna praise and do all these things — the guy is still out there.”
Notably, the suspect in this sexual assault case is still at large.
UTSA leadership sent out an email on Oct. 7 containing reporting and advocacy resources, mental health resources and safety resources. The message also highlighted the Take Back the Night event, Green Dot bystander training and Equal Opportunity Services.
Throughout October, UTSA Public Safety shared safety resources in Campus Link, the weekly student newsletter. They brought awareness to campus safety escorts, self-defense classes, emergency blue phones and more.
Additionally, UTSA Chief of Police
Stephanie Schoenborn notified University Oaks residents of engagement and training opportunities from UTSA Public Safety, increased police presence from 10 p.m. to 2 p.m. daily and increased camera coverage.
“It’s been five months,” the female resident said. “You mean to tell me out of all the resources that UTSA can offer, and with SAPD, you mean to tell me it’s taking you five months to catch one person? I’m sorry, what kind of BS is that?
“If it’s taking you this long, what makes you think the rest of us as students are gonna be able to feel comfortable in relying on our resources for protection? What makes you think that we’re going to be just completely relaxed? No, we’re not.”
The male resident shared his thoughts on the effectiveness of the increased security camera usage.
“No, it’s ridiculous,” he said. “Two points: It’s ridiculous that it takes an incident for an increase in security and thinking that for added security, surveillance cameras [are] enough to keep
everyone safe.”
Some of the University Oaks residents have taken their own measures to secure their apartments.
“We put an alarm on our door,” the female resident stated. “But we’re gonna have to use a community bat and put it in our living room. And if something happens, we’re just gonna have to get physical.”
The male resident has not done the same.
“No, I have not. I have not added anything besides what the apartment comes with — just the regular cross lock, and that’s it,” he said.
Neither he nor his roommate were aware of residents placing alarms or weapons in their apartments to protect themselves.
“My own personal tip is to watch my back at all times when I am in the residence. Make sure my car is locked when I’m walking back to my apartment; make sure I’m watching my back,” he stated. “I might be followed or something like that, but that’s pretty much it.”
When asked if she encouraged other residents to get their security systems for their apartments, the female resident revealed how she acquired her alarm in the first place.
“That’s the thing. I didn’t even need to,” she said. “They did it themselves. The way I got the alarm: I was walking to work, and a group of girls came up to me, and they were like, ‘Hey, we heard what happened. We’re passing out the alarms. Here, for you and your roommates, stay safe.’ And I was like, ‘Okay, bet, and I gave my alarm to — I had two alarms, right — I gave the other one to my neighbor.”
Izbrand emphasized in his statement, “UTSA Public Safety continues to provide proactive resources and safety support for students.” Including the aforementioned resources, he shared that more could be found on the UTSA Public Safety website, UTSAPD could be found on multiple social media sites and UTSA Public Safety has launched the app SafeZone, which makes emergency services easier to access.
Neither the male resident or his roommate have downloaded the SafeZone app. He responded, “Definitely, definitely,” upon inquiries of University Oaks residents still being on edge since last October. “Before that, I wouldn’t have to worry so much about my surroundings.”
“The fact that I have to go get a bat, a weapon or a taser to truly protect my friends and my home here that live with me, it’s, it’s — I’m tryna find the word for it — not astonishing, not annoying, not a nuisance, it’s all of the above,” the female resident said. “It’s just dangerous, you know?”
This remains an active investigation, so UTSAPD is limited in what can be shared at this time; however, they continue to provide supportive measures to the survivor, according to Izbrand.
A view from inside the University Oaks apartment complex, where residents share safety concerns.
Diego Cisneros/The Paisano
Miles Jones & Ben Rodriguez/The Paisano Religious protester Daniel John Lee holds banner, stands opposite of counter-protesters made up of UTSA students and community members.
UTSA hosts Academic Decathlon State Competition
HS students compete academically at state level
By Gladys Maness
Assitant Web Editor
Last weekend, UTSA Main Campus opened its doors to host the top schools from across the state to compete in the Thomas E. Moseley Texas Academic Decathlon State Finals. Over 300 students competed across two days for $150,000 in scholarship money and the opportunity to advance to the national level.
Academic Decathlon is a nationwide high school-level competition founded in 1968 bringing students together as a team under a new theme each year. Teams competed at a regional level, and the highest-scoring schools were assembled into two state divisions based on their score. Division I includes the top 40 schools. It is held in San Antonio, and the top team is sent to nationals. Students are split between three brackets— honors, scholastic and varsity — based on their GPA. This allows a wide range of students to improve their study skills, socialize, and win awards. Participants take part in a series of seven timed, multiple choice tests over several subjects including economics, science, music, and art. The competition also includes three subjective events: speech, essay and interview. Themes
vary each year, and include specific topics, like the Cold War, as well as broader ideas, such as the advancement of technology over time. This year, the theme focused on climate change.
Evangeline Bush, a student from Wakeland High School, has been part of Academic Decathlon for two years. Last year, she was part of the top team in Division II, winning both overall and in the Super Quiz event. This year, Wakeland qualified for Division I, traveling to San Antonio from Frisco. Last weekend, she won a silver medal in the social science event. Bush’s advice to all new decathletes is to “have fun and remember it’s just an extracurricular.”
“Competition can be intense,” Bush says, “but at the end of the day it’s more important to enjoy yourself.”
The 2025 state champion is Earl Warren High School, with a score of 51,472.9 out of 60,000 - the highest state champion score since 2022. Led by coaches Joseph Bayona and Angel Santacruz, this is the first time Earl Warren has won the championship, ending Dulles High School’s streak of three years. Earl Warren High School will be representing Texas at the national competition on May 1-3.
Crime log 2/23-3/1
By Maria Wence Staff Writer
In compliance with the Clery Act, UTSA keeps a daily crime log for all on-campus crimes. The log summarizes the case’s date, time, location, incident and current status. The crimes detailed below are taken directly from the crime log, showcasing the trends recorded from Feb. 23 to March 1.
Alcohol consumption by minor
An incident occurred on Feb. 23 from 2:12 a.m. to 2:32 a.m. of consumption of alcohol by a minor, along with being intoxicated while driving located at Brackenridge Ave. Lot 3. The case was cleared by arrest.
Striking unattended vehicle
A report of an unattended vehicle being struck at the Barshop Blvd lot was made to the UTSA Police Department on Feb. 24 at 11:40 a.m. The incident occurred between 11 p.m. on Feb. 23 and 11: 30 a.m. on Feb 24. The case is still active.
Drug paraphernalia possession
An individual was found in possession of drug paraphernalia and less than 2 oz. of marijuana at the John Peace Library. The incident occurred on
Feb. 24 from 2:41 p.m to 3:30 p.m. The case has since been closed.
Hazing
A hazing incident occurred at Laurel Village. The incident was reported to UTSAPD on Feb. 26, occurring between Feb. 20 at 10 p.m. and Feb. 21 at 12 a.m. The case remains open.
Controlled substance possession
Possession of a controlled substance was reported at Laurel Village Building 4. It took place from 9:47 p.m. to 10:03 p.m on Feb. 27. The case remains active.
Larceny/Theft
An incident of larceny/theft occurred on Feb. 28, during the times of 8:04 p.m. to 8:16 p.m. It happened to be the Mckinney Humanities Building and has an estimated value of $100$749.99. The case remains active.
Assault
An assault against a peace officer/judge offense occurred at the Convocation center on March 1 at 11:09 p.m. Larceny/theft of an estimated value of $100, evading arrest and failure to identify were additional offenses that also occurred at the same time. The case remains active.
SGA announces their Senator of the Month
By Michael Morales Contributor
Durability of student I.D. cards, location of menstrual products, regular measles updates and dorm water fountain accessibility were the topics discussed at the Student Government Association’s tenth session of the 49th general assembly. It was then followed by a reveal of SGA Senator of the Month: Sarah-Esther Sarabia.
The session commenced at 5:35 p.m. when Speaker of the Senate Madeline Snyder approved the previous session’s minutes and opened the floor to an open forum.
SGA members brought about topics related to the improvement of campus life. This included the durability of student I.D. cards. With the ramping implementation of card-swiping technology, many students have noticed their I.D. cards chipping. It was suggested that a more durable material for the card be considered.
Regarding menstrual products, such as tampons, they are currently only located in the bathrooms of the Student Union building. No other buildings provide them at this time.
They also discussed that campus emails should regularly update the student body regarding measles contraction and preventative measures.
An issue relating to water fountains in dorm halls was addressed. There was a claim that the water fountain in Chisholm Hall is broken and is the only supply of drinking water for the residents. Additionally, the water fountain in Chaparral Village Hall
State of
can only be accessed using an I.D. card after hours when the door is locked.
The SGA then proceeded to notify members that officer applications for SGA 50 will close on March 9. If anyone is interested, they recommend talking to a current executive for more information or contacting them by email.
In the committee reports, SGA President Aydan Villareal talked about the upcoming Conference of the Student Government Association. COSGA is a yearly conference for college student governments and is the largest student-run conference of its kind in the U.S. It will be held at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas from Apr. 11-14.
This was followed by a mention of the Campus Experience Task Force. Members of the task force represent areas across campus that work toward improving the campus experience for students, faculty and staff. They encourage students to fill out campus dining assessment forms which will be used during their focus group meetings. This is necessary for improvements relating to the dining hall experience at UTSA.
Upcoming events include the Rowdy Prize cab which will be held on Main Campus on March 4 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Group Assembly for SGA will be held next week on March 6.
Lastly, Snyder presented SarahEsther Sarabia with the award of Senator of the Month.
The meeting adjourned at 5:57 p.m.
the City
Week of 3/4
By Alejandra Garza Staff Writer
Not subscribed to local news but still want to stay up-to-date on the happenings around town? Look no further. Highlighting notable stories from external San Antonio news sources, State of the City summarizes the most captivating news headlines of the week. This week’s topics range from a Texas-based airline suing the city to a drunk driver hitting a 16-year-old.
Airline sued over misled terminal gate negotiations
A dispute occurred over the new terminal constructed to expand the San Antonio International Airport. Southwest Airlines has filed a 44-page lawsuit, which alleges that the City of San Antonio never intended to provide them with gates, failed negotiations and misled the court. In the lawsuit, it states Southwest and its witnesses confirmed the design of Terminal C to be in possession of the airline based on airline services regarding business or leisure. Southwest was excluded from the new $1.7 billion Terminal C and relegated to the older and smaller Terminal A, where they currently operate. The city’s response was a thoughtful process with a master architect and engineer without the intention to mislead anyone.
Homeless man in critical condition
A call was received about a man lying unconscious in the middle of the Loop 1604 access road near Tradesman Dr at 10:45 pm late Friday night. The unidentified man was transported to the hospital in critical condition. San Antonio Police Department reported the man was not crossing at a crosswalk when struck by a vehicle that fled the scene. The investigation is ongoing to identify the driver responsible and will be charged with collision involving serious bodily injury.
Drunk driver arrested for hitting 16-year-old
A 22-year-old unidentified woman has been arrested for intoxication assault after allegedly driving off the road and hitting a 16-year-old construction worker. San Antonio police have reported that around 4:23 a.m. Saturday, the woman was driving at the cloverleaf interchange at U.S. Highway 90 West and Southwest Loop 410. She drove off the frontage road and struck a telephone pole before continuing to crash into a fence next to a building. Construction workers were on sight working on the other side of the fence, including the boy who was hit by the vehicle.
Decathletes pack the H-E-B student union awaiting their results
Diego Cisneros /The Paisano
OpiNION
Cherry-picking press promotes propaganda
Trump administration seizes control of the White House press pool from WHCA
Editorial
In an unprecedented consolidation of power over the press, the White House has announced that moving forward, it will decide what reporters are allowed to cover President Donald Trump and his actions. This breaks from over 100 years of tradition where the White House Correspondents Association — an independent nonpartisan organization — organized the White House press pool.
“It’s beyond time that the White House press operation reflects the media habits of the American people in 2025, not 1925. A select group of DC-based journalists should no longer have a monopoly over the privilege of press access at the White House,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said.
“So by deciding which outlets make up the limited press pool on a day-to-day basis, the White House will be restoring power back to the American people who President Trump was elected to serve.”
dictated by those they report on. Their ethics and allegiance to the truth will inevitably be questioned.
“This move tears at the independence of a free press in the United States. It suggests the government will choose the journalists who cover the president. In a free country, leaders must not be able to choose their own press corps,” said the WHCA.
The freedom of the press is a sacred pillar of the great democratic experiment. The press deserves to be able to provide an unvarnished view into the lives of the individuals who run our country — without fear of retribution. President Trump should not hide behind his cherry-picked propagandists.
The seizure of the White House press pool from the WHCA is a disgusting overreach from the Trump administration — one that threatens the freedom of the press that has stood since the inception of the U.S. Reporting conducted by members of the press pool will now be tainted by their inclusion and access being
The announcement comes mere days after the White House barred the Associated Press — one of the most respected non-partisan news outlets — from covering the Oval Office and Air Force One. The ban was implemented after AP refused to add the “Gulf of America” to their official style guide, opting not to use the term in their reporting.
The NATO dilemma
Commentary
By Selasie Gifa-Johnson Staff Writer
Since the beginning of the Ukraine war in 2014, most of the world has painted Russian President Vladimir Putin as an evil warmonger, giving little consideration to his reasons for initiating the conflict. Given the potential threat the North Atlantic Treaty Organization poses to Russian security, taking decisive action to prevent NATO’s eastward expansion was a logical response.
Since the beginning of the war, Zelenskyy has emphasized the strength of the Ukrainian people and their willingness to fight for their freedom. However, blindly fighting a losing battle is not in the best interest of any party involved. Although Russia initiated the conflict, Putin has never closed the door for peace negotiations. In all peace talks, Putin has prioritized his goal of preventing Ukraine from joining NATO.
Russia’s concern for its national security in the face of NATO expansion is the foremost cause of its aggression. Long before beginning its campaign against Ukraine and being labeled an aggressor, Russia repeatedly voiced its worries about national security on the world stage since German reunification in 1990. At the Malta conference of the same year, former Russian President Mikhail Gorbachev was informally promised by Secretary of State James Baker that NATO would never expand eastward.
Over time, more countries that used to be part of the Soviet sphere of influence joined NATO despite Russia’s raising concerns regarding its national security. These concerns are reasonable given the fact that the U.S. has been able to
place advanced missile systems in many new member countries, like Poland and Romania, through NATO. This was done after President George W. Bush withdrew the U.S. from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty in 2002, which understandably deepened Russia’s worries. With these events as a precedent, Putin had legitimate reasons to take strong actions to deter Ukraine from joining NATO. If the roles were reversed, the U.S. would have acted very similarly to Russia.
During the Cuban Missile Crisis, President Kennedy threatened military intervention if the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics crossed the quarantine line around Cuba. Tensions only subsided when the USSR chose to withdraw its missiles from Cuba to avoid direct conflict. Applying the same reasoning to Russia makes their annexation of Crimea in 2014 seem logical, especially considering the region’s military significance and Ukraine’s application to join NATO.
It is simply hypocritical for the U.S. to completely condemn Russia while it has not hesitated to act similarly throughout history. Despite Russia being successful in taking large amounts of Ukrainian territory, Putin remained open to peace negotiations, which is not cohesive with his portrayal as a warmonger.
In contrast, Zelenskyy has consistently rejected making concessions in negotiations with Russia despite Ukraine’s dire situation. His ability to sustain the war depends entirely on foreign military aid, severely limiting his leverage. As such, Zelenskyy needs to make compromises, like abandoning the idea of NATO membership and direct foreign military intervention, to end the war and prevent further loss of life.
As freedom of the press has come under further attack from the Trump administration, one must remember the important role that the press serves in society. National leaders cannot live behind a veil of secrecy and deception. Journalists pierce that veil and deserve to have full access to President Trump, regardless of his opinions about their reporting.
Measles strikes back
Commentary
By Kara Lee Graphic Editor
Over 120 people across nine counties in West Texas have been infected with measles, marking the largest outbreak in the state in 30 years. Tragically, a child in Lubbock has recently passed away from the disease, making this the first reported death in the ongoing outbreak.
State officials have confirmed that the unvaccinated child was hospitalized last week. However, local and state authorities have not disclosed whether the child was a resident of Lubbock or where the infection originated. The Associated Press was the first to report the death.
This tragic death underscores the consequences of vaccine hesitancy. The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is both safe and highly effective at preventing measles and other serious diseases. While most children recover from measles, the disease can lead to dangerous complications such as pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling and even death. Vaccination is essential to protect children from these lifethreatening risks.
In a related development, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently vowed to investigate the childhood vaccination schedule that prevents measles, polio and other dangerous diseases.
Measles had been declared eliminated from the U.S. in 2000, a major milestone in public health. However, the recent resurgence of the virus highlights the ongoing risks associated with declining vaccination rates. One of the contributing factors to the difficulty in containing this outbreak is the reduction in the number
More like Black Mystery Month
Commentary
By Mogbekeleoluwa Shebioba Assistant Opinion Editor
The story of Black History Month began with Carter Woodson — founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History — establishing a Black History week starting in February 1926. Woodson’s goal was to use history to inspire the Black population to “greater achievements,” and he chose February to encompass the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas, who played essential roles in shaping Black history. With so much cultural and historical significance, one can only wonder why Black History Month made
no noise this year at UTSA.
From volunteer opportunities to exploring historical sites of the Civil Rights Movement, UTSA has been proud to celebrate Black History Month in the last couple of years. However, 2025 seems to be different, as their website appears to be a wasteland in regard to the celebration. This year, they had digital exhibits and collections, a blog article, two basketball games and a food drive.
Furthermore, an article was not published for UTSA Today informing people of the lackluster events the university had planned; in previous years, the articles for the website detailed the events they had for the entire month. Now, Black History Month at UTSA has been reduced
to having special virtual backgrounds for people to use throughout February. The audacity of them to have these for use in February only, after hardly doing anything for the entire month, is embarrassing. It is difficult to answer why UTSA had such an underwhelming celebration and flat-out refused to openly acknowledge the event this year. One might think it has something to do with President Donald Trump’s insistence on getting rid of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs. With schools and many corporations rolling back their DEI policies, it is no surprise people are jumping to this conclusion. To imagine UTSA may be involved in this, as well, is heartbreaking.
Woodson dreamed of providing the
of public health workers under the Trump administration. Federal health agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have been severely impacted by staffing cuts. In 2020 alone, the CDC lost around 1,300 employees, including 50 specialists from its Epidemic Intelligence Service, a program critical for outbreak investigations. These reductions in public health resources, coupled with vaccine skepticism promoted by RFK Jr. and other political leaders, have hampered efforts to control the outbreak. Meanwhile, vaccination rates across the nation have continued to decline, with exemptions reaching record highs in 12 states. The administration must do more to contain this outbreak and stop the spread of misinformation about vaccines, which can help prevent deaths.
Anti-vaccine groups continue to spread a dangerous and unfounded narrative, claiming that the vaccine itself causes the highly contagious measles virus. Kennedy has long argued that the deaths and hospitalizations caused by measles before the introduction of the MMR vaccine are insignificant compared to the alleged harm caused by the vaccine — though they provide no credible evidence to support this claim. As outbreaks occur, the narrative often shifts from minimizing the risks of measles to wrongly blaming vaccines.
The need for accurate information and responsible leadership from the Trump administration has never been more critical. Parents must be encouraged to vaccinate their children to protect both their families and the broader community from the resurgence of preventable diseases like measles.
public with thoughtful celebrations to make Black history a serious field of study. In the state with the largest Black population in the U.S., UTSA having little to say for the people is embarrassing. Whether or not UTSA chooses to acknowledge Black History Month, it was, and will always be, a month to remember.
Commentary
By Jackie Cardona
Staff Writer
By Luna Infante Assistant Magazine Editor
Cora White /The Paisano
Kate Stanford /The Paisano
OpiNION
Make the FBI great again
Commentary By Alejandra Garza Staff Writer
President Donald Trump has made some concerning decisions, but one of the most controversial is his choice of who will run the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The overall focus of the FBI is to preserve federal law with differentiated programs focusing on issues affecting the nation. Kash Patel, a Trump loyalist and current Director of the FBI, is a danger to the federal agency, and he will turn the organization against itself.
Patel is a radical extremist, who has consecutively spread false narratives and intimidated anyone that shows opposition to Trump. In 2023, he wrote a book titled “Government Gangsters,” name-dropping 60 people and referring to them as the “members of the deep state” throughout the text. The names on Kash’s enemy list were Democrats and Republicans who have been public servants to the community.
Through the use of children’s literature, Patel — or “Kash the Wizard” in his
‘Far
Commentary
juvenile series — wrote a trilogy of books dedicated to preserving the importance of Trump. In the book, “Kash the Wizard” wants to help “King Donald” defeat “Hillary Queenton” and “Comma-la-lala.” The first book features a jab at the FBI as the “slug stables in a shadowy corner of the castle” run by “Keeper Komey,” referring to former FBI Director James Comey. In another book, a reference to 2000 mules is introduced to falsely claim that the 2020 election was stolen from Trump by Democrats.
Following Trump’s first term, Patel continued to work closely with the cult-like “Make America Great Again” movement. Patel launched the Kash Foundation to support defamation victims and the families of Trump supporters who were involved in the Jan. 6 riot. The now FBI Director has pushed countless baseless theories, claiming the attack on the Capitol was instigated by the FBI and those closely affiliated in an attempt to hurt the MAGA movement. He is also a board member of the far-right company Truth Social, Trump’s social media
by bringing in help from the Ultimate Fighting Championship, the martial arts entertainment giant — whose wealthy CEO, Dana White, helped boost Trump’s reelection.
Patel is ultimately weaponizing the FBI by turning against those who do not fit the pro-Trump agenda. It is not right to politicize a federal agency, but Patel is already doing it.
Far Away’ from the original
By Valentina Quintanilla Graphic Artist
Mayhem broke out as the first trailer of the new Shrek movie was revealed by Dreamworks Animations. Starring returning castmembers Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz and Eddie Murphy, with Zendaya joining the franchise, the trailer kickstarts as not only a disappointment but a tremendous disaster. Far from looking like the original, dull humor and a Magic Mirror version of TikTok, “Shrek 5” seems to lack the main characteristics that made the franchise so iconic. Upgrading does not always mean success; if they want to experiment with new features, they should make a different film and not mess up the original one.
“Shrek” came out in 2001. It was a product of Dreamworks animators who were punished due to their poor work in “The Prince of Egypt,” which ironically tanked compared to the Oscar-winning “Shrek.” They were sent straight to work on the low-budget, loathed film in a move they called being “Shreked.” In the beginning, “Shrek” had no hope of succeeding, until its screening at the Cannes Film Festival. It not only received a standing ovation but also went on to gross $42 million its first weekend, Dreamworks’ biggest take ever.
Shrek’s success can be attributed to many aspects: Mockery of fairy-tales, subtle references to modern media, innovative and realistic animation among many others. The tetralogy consists of “Shrek,” “Shrek 2,” “Shrek the Third” and “ “Shrek: Forever After.” With the third one being the least favorite among viewers, it is still a feather in one’s cap.
Although the tetralogy was supposed to end in “Shrek Forever After,” news spread in 2016 when Dreamworks Animation’s late president, Jeffrey Katzenberg, shared that the script for a fifth “Shrek” film was in the works. However, it was not until the “Boss Baby´s” screenwriter, Michael McCullers, shared in 2017 that he “finished the script” for the movie, stating that “It’s got a pretty big reinvention.” The public excitedly waited years for even the smallest details in the film. However,
three days ago, Dreamworks Animations revealed the teaser trailer for “Shrek 5,” leaving viewers utterly disappointed by what the studio came up with.
The teaser caused a commotion on the internet, with many people commenting on the dullness of its humor, weak attempts at trendy humor with a TikTok parody, and above all: its Disney-like animation. Many users on X commented on how it looks “uncanny” since the facial features are not the same. Others commented on how even though “Shrek Forever After” developed its animation style, it kept the
Crumbling Empires
By Aramis Santiago Staff Writer
Sean “Diddy” Combs has spent decades building an empire as one of hip-hop’s most influential figures. Now, that empire is crumbling under the weight of disturbing allegations. Once praised as a mogul, Diddy finds himself at the center of a legal storm involving accusations of sexual assault, violence and human trafficking.
As if the legal battles were not bad enough, one of his lawyers, Anthony Ricco, has just quit under circumstances that make Diddy’s situation look even worse. Ricco, a high-profile criminal
defense attorney with a history of defending some of the most infamous figures in modern history, is not someone who walks away from tough cases. Yet, in legal documents, he made it clear: “Under no circumstances can I continue.”
A lawyer who has represented alleged terrorists and corrupt cops walking away from Diddy says everything that needs to be said.
Whispers of shady behavior have always surrounded Diddy. Still, those whispers became deafening last November when his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura, filed a lawsuit accusing him of physical and sexual abuse.
The Paisano
Editorial Board
Jake Mireles | Editor-in-Chief Editor@paisano-online.com
Jasmine Williams | Managing Editor Manager@paisano-online.com
Alessandra Avila | News Editor News@paisano-online.com
Marcela Montufar Soria | Opinion Editor Opinion@paisano-online.com
Malaki Lingg | Arts & Life Editor Arts@paisano-online.com
Haley Aguayo | Sports Editor Sports@paisano-online.com
Raul Martinez | Web Editor Web@paisano-online.com
Armin Suljovic | Photo Editor Photo@paisano-online.com
Kara Lee | Graphic Editor Graphic@paisano-online.com
Regan Williams | Multimedia Editor Multimedia@paisano-online.com
Sofia Mejia | Magazine Editor Magazine@paisano-online.com
Jaclyn Banda | Business Manager Business@paisano-online.com
Karis Vickers | Social Media Manager Socialmedia@paisano-online.com
Christopher Delgado | Copyediting Coordinator Copyediting@paisano-online.com
Christian Loustaunau | Distribution Manager Distribution@paisano-online.com Assistant Editors
original designs carrying the “charm” of “Shrek” perfectly. Just because a design looks old-fashioned, it does not mean they cannot upgrade to a better look without erasing its characterizing features.
“Shrek 5” currently faces an imbalance of hatred and approval from the public, with hatred tipping the scale. Dreamworks Animations has proved its growth in animation over the years; however, in terms of Shrek 5’s creativity and original design preservation, they not only disappoint the public but fail to regulate the original’s unique art style.
The Editorial is the official opinion of The Paisano editorial board. Commentaries are the opinion of the individual writer.
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Commentary
AnnMarie Overton w/The Paisano
explore ‘Staying Alive: animal defenses’ at the witte museum
By Kara Lee Graphic Editor
The Witte Museum’s latest exhibit, “Staying Alive: Animal Defenses,” takes visitors on an exciting journey into the wild, exploring the fascinating survival strategies of animals in the natural world. This dynamic exhibit brings the animal kingdom to life, featuring 17 live animals and larger-than-life sculptures of different animals, offering an immersive experience for visitors of all ages. From the tiny, toxic bumblebee dart frog to the laid-back sloth, the exhibit highlights how animals, both large and small, use intriguing defenses to protect themselves from predators.
Upon entering the exhibit, visitors are greeted with live snakes and bullfrogs in their natural habitats. Next to each animal, detailed information explains the various defense mechanisms these creatures use
“This dynamic exhibit brings the animal kingdom to life, featuring 17 live an imals and larger-thanlife sculptures of different animals, offering an immersive experience for visitors of all ages.”
to fend off predators in their specific environments. As guests continue their journey, more live animals line the walls, leading to the centerpiece of the exhibit: the sloth, the largest living animal in the space. The room is filled with vibrant visuals and educational displays showcasing the diversity and creativity of the animal kingdom’s survival tactics. Fun facts and engaging information reveal the fascinating ways these animals protect themselves, from poison and venom to camouflage, mimicry and even autotomy — the ability
Still working on finding the right wavelength
By Christopher Delgado Copyediting Coordinator
Surviving a car crash is not an easy feat. For Brainwave Records, it was just another bump in the road in owner Ryan McKnight’s quest to share his love of music. McKnight began his record collection in 2003, and in 2022, McKnight opened a brick-and-mortar shop on Woodlawn Ave — he had previously sold records and music online.
The new Brainwave Records, located at 1914 Fredericksburg Rd., opened on Feb. 1. The shop is still experiencing growing pains as McKnight adjusts to a new community and setup. This location situated near the Wonder Theater, formerly the Woodlawn theater, can be a little difficult to catch when first venturing to Brainwave Records.
The outside of the store features the company’s logo as well as a printed sign declaring, “We Buy Records.” The slightly small banner lends itself to the scrappiness of the store.
“The record store business has very thin margins, so we try to save money wherever we can,” said McKnight. “[We] did all of the renovation and decorating work to open the new shop. It took lots of long hours and help
from a few friends and family, but we think it’s worth it and the space is pretty much as we imagined it.”
While the exterior leaves much to be desired, for now, the interior grants it the feel of a next-door-neighbor displaying, playing and selling records. It is homey. McKnight plays some records from his own collection over the speakers to accompany customers. Over by the bargain bins, a lounging area invites patrons to sit and enjoy soundwaves.
“We want our space to be comfortable, where someone can hang out for a few hours, browse records and have a place to sit down for a relax,” McKnight said. “We want everyone to be welcome, and we want to be a part of the San Antonio community, which has produced and experienced so much great music over the years. We hope to be here for many years and evolve and innovate over that time.”
The store has a wide variety of records, CDs, cassette tapes and sound equipment; however, it can be a little difficult to identify what is ready to be sold and what is in the process of being inventoried. If unsure, feel free to ask McKnight — nearly everything on display has a price.
While there certainly are some neat finds at the shop, such as a record of J. R. R. Tolkien reciting “Poems
and Songs of Middle Earth,” it can be a little difficult to sort through the rows and racks of music. Records are sorted by genre. However, it is not rare to find a few Jay-Z albums sprinkled throughout the hip-hop section in different locations. The records are not sorted within the genre necessarily; they are somewhat grouped by artist. CDs are mostly located on a singular shelf, with some exceptions. But they are not seemingly sorted by any system upon the shelf, rather by the order they have arrived, which makes sense for a shop with only a few workers. The organizational system demands that customers section out about an hour or two when visiting the shop, especially just to peruse the selection. McKnight also has an online shop, but for a fuller picture of Brainwave Records’ collection, give them a call. The prices of their products range from $0.99 for a Peter, Paul and Mary record to $169.99 for the 1970 Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band record. McKnight also has speakers and record players for sale. Check out Brainwave Records at 1914 Fredericksburg Rd. Monday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The shop is filled with hidden treasures waiting to be unearthed by new music lovers.
Christopher Delgado/The Paisano
Riley Carroll/The Paisano
The exterior of Brainwave Records, loacated at 1914, Fredricksburg Rd, San Antonio, Texas. The shops interior boasts a wide variety array of music visitors can sift through.
A beauty rat snake slithering in its enclosure.
The interior of the exhibit, showing information panels and the sloth enclosure.
Arts & Life
Killing me softly with her song
By Marisela Cruz Assistant News Editor
The soul and jazz community lost a true diamond in the rough as Roberta Flack passed away on Feb. 24 at the age of 88. Roberta Flack, also known as “Rubina Flake”, once said in an interview with NPR that, “Music reaches beyond age, race, nationality and religion to touch [peoples] heart.” This message reigns true especially in regard to her extensive and versatile music career. Flack went from first playing classical piano and singing opera at her church in Arlington, Virginia, to then being granted a full scholarship to Howard University at 15 years old.
As a young girl, Flack wanted to become an opera singer, but due to a suggestion bestowed upon by her vocal coach to take a different approach, she instead found inspiration to become a soul singer by singing leisurely in nightclubs. In 1968, one night singing in a nightclub in Washington D.C., Flack caught the attention of Les McCann, an American jazz pianist and vocalist, who helped her get signed with Atlantic Records.
“Music reaches beyond age, race, nationality and religion to touch
our heart.”
- Roberta Flack
Producing under her alter ego “Rubina Flake” — which is often referred to as Flack’s second soul was her stage name at her debut performance at Carnegie Hall in 1971. Ann Powers details in an excerpt from the narrated film “Roberta Flack: Virtuoso” that, “Her alter ego helped her feel glamorous and capable when others told her she was imperfect. Rubina had no need to respect others’ restrictions.”
Some of her mentors include Donny Hathaway, Luther Vandross and Peabo Bryson. Flack and Hathaway have created an extensive discography together collaborating on the songs
“Where is the love” and “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.” They created a harmonious relationship that caught the attention of Clint Eastwood, leading him to put one of their songs in his directorial debut “Play Misty for me.”
Flack found her commercial success in 1973 with the album “Killing Me Softly.”
The famous title album song was then covered by the Fugees in 1996, which led to Lauryn Hill and Flack singing a duet together on MTV. If it were not for Flack’s depth of lyrics and intuitive storytelling, “Killing me softly” would not have gotten the attention of generations beyond her. Hill in a memorial post on Instagram speaks on Flack’s behalf and describes her “as an artist, a singer-songwriter, a pianist and composer who moved me and showed me through her own creative choices and standards what else was possible within the idiom of Soul.”
Quincy Jones, a fellow friend, helped promote the song that “catapulted [Hill] and the Fugees into a household phenomenon.” The song, originally written by Norman Gimbel and Charles Fox, caught the attention of Flack during her flight from L.A. to N.Y. in 1972. She called Jones after being struck with inspiration and asked to meet Charles Fox at his house. Flack then went on to perform the song for the first time opening for Jones at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles. She soon recorded the song after an overwhelming standing ovation from the performance.
Flack has 14 Grammy nominations and 4 awards, mostly spanning from ‘73 to ‘95. However, in 2020, she achieved the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
“Killing Me Softly” was nominated for record of the year in 1974 and then “Feel Like Makin’ Love” won record of the year the following year. This led Flack to be the first artist in history to win Record of the Year for two consecutive years. She graced people’s souls and was such a profound lyricist that her lyrics will carry on her legacy with dignity forever connecting with people’s lives in an intimate way.
Past meets present at the UTSA Recital Hall
By Daria Tanase Staff Writer
During the UTSA Wind Ensemble’s most recent performance, the recital hall was flooded with sounds of connection and unity. On Thursday, Feb. 27, the group played a variety of music as a part of their “Past Meets Present” program; it was a night to be remembered through and through. The performance itself was magnificent, to say the least. There was unity when listening to each piece, and every person shone through in their way. Every musician brought their distinct sound to the songs, harmonizing to make something beautiful. Ron Ellis has been conducting the UTSA Wind Ensemble as well as serving as the director of bands since 2010. This past Thursday night was a great example of his direction. Ellis’s orchestration combined with the band’s talent make for eloquent pieces that are phonetically sound, going from gentle to fierce in a matter of seconds. Each song features incredible crescendos and lively sounds
‘Long live independent film’
By Christopher Delgado Copyediting Coordinator
The 97th Academy Awards emphasized the importance of those working behind the scenes who have devoted their lives to making films, so it was no surprise that Sean Baker’s independent film, “Anora,” took home the top prize. Baker walked away with four Academy Awards: Best Original Screenplay, Best Editing, Best Directing and Best Picture. He is the first person to take home all four of those accolades for the same film. “Anora” also claimed, in what was the surprise of the night, the Best Actress award for Mikey Madison’s performance as the titular character.
“Conclave” won Best Adapted Screenplay, “The Substance” was awarded Best Hair and Makeup and “Wicked” took home Best Production Design and Best Costume — Paul Tazewell was the first Black person to win the award. Kieran Culkin and Zoe Saldaña were rightfully awarded in the supporting acting categories for their roles in “A Real Pain” and “Emilia Pérez,” respectively. Saldaña talked about the importance of being able to win for a role in which she got to speak Spanish — a nice moment of closure for Saldaña and the audience given that Julianne Hough cut her off when she began talking about the immigrant experience on the red carpet.
While many of the victories were a pleasant surprise and well spread out, the rest of the award show was quite drab.
Clement Ducol and Camille delivered perhaps the most uncomfortable acceptance speech of the night. They won for “El Mal” from the “Emilia Pérez” soundtrack. At the end of their comments, Camille began to serenade the audience with “Emilia” — lyrics not from “El Mal.” She repeated this seven times until the music began to play and the audience erupted in what seemed to be a begging round of applause. Notably, “Emilia Pérez” director Jacques Audiard can be heard saying, “Wrap it up.”
Adrian Brody won the Best Actor accolade for his role as Lázló Tóth in “The Brutalist.” It may have been the desire to see Timothée Chalamet on the stage with a trophy in his hand that caused Brody’s speech to overstay its welcome. The orchestra began to play him off, but he urged them to let him finish. What followed was not profound; it was a tad self-indulgent.
The ceremony’s host Conan O’ Brian ended his monologue with a gag-musical number about the importance of running a tight ship in order to get through all 24
categories; however, the show still had time to indulge in a couple of musical performances. Thankfully, the academy did not include any performances from the original song category — unless one counts Camille’s acceptance speech. The show began with Cynthia Ervio and Ariana Grande performing a beautiful piece consisting of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” “Home” and “Defying Gravity.” In the middle of the ceremony, the camera suddenly zoomed in on Margaret Qualley, who was acting as a Bond Girl, in homage to Barbara Broccoli. Lisa performed “Live and Let Die,” Doja Cat belted “Diamonds are Forever” and Raye sang “Skyfall.” It was unclear why the singers were selected or what the performance was for, initially. The whole act felt unnecessary in a year without a Bond film.
The last song of the night, “Ease on Down the Road,” sung by Queen Latifah was dedicated to Quincy Jones. Although Latifah brought an energetic performance, it was quite peculiar to see the reaction of the crowd. Many of the Black and Brown artists were
Come write for the ‘Y’all’ Write’ contest
By Marisela Cruz Assistant News Editor
In celebration of Texas Independence Day, the Texas Authors Museum and Institute of History is presenting its first “Y’all Write” program this March.
that make for a distinct experience every time. John Shnettler took Ellis’s place as a guest conductor for one song of the evening, making the piece melancholic and dramatic in the best ways. In this particular program, the audience was invited on stage while the band played their final song of the night. They brought forth a sense of love and connection that united spectators and performers alike. Although the music is the main attraction, there is such an intimate environment that comes with concerts in the recital hall adds to the charm that these performances have. Families and loved ones flood the seats. There is a connection felt radiating from the stage out to the audience and there is always a sense of support that rings through the air as everyone claps after each song finishes. These musical experiences are something that should be recognized by more students. With all of the free performances such as this one, the hall is always bustling with activity, so make sure to check out the next show and take advantage of the talent UTSA has to offer.
In anticipation of the institute’s 10th anniversary, the program encourages Texas writers of all ages to participate. The month-long program requires writers to submit a 50,000-word novel in any genre.
“Texas is built on stories of pioneers, dreamers and innovators. And now, every Texan has the chance to add their voice to that legacy,” Texas Authors Museum and
Director B. Alan Bourgeois wrote when inquired about the program. “‘Y’all Write!’ is more than a challenge. It’s a movement to empower creativity and connect communities through the written word.”
The program’s sponsors consist of Bourgeois Media and Consulting along with Atmosphere Press. Each writer entering the program will get a free E-Book containing guidance and inspiration to assist them through March. Writers who participate in the month-long challenge will submit their work for the chance for it to be published. The “Y’all Write” contest correlates with the annual Lone Star Festival, which showcases
This year, the festival will be held in Austin from June 7-8. The winners of the contest will be announced at the festival.
Daria Tanase/The Paisano
Kara Lee/The
Paisano
UTSA’s Wind Ensemble perform their “Past Meets Present” program in the Recital Hall.
Track & field AAC indoor results
Mia Lien - Silver medal in individual high jump/broke school record 1.83m/Conference Champion
Edlin Laur - Fifth place in individual high jump
Shadae Findley
Second place Mike Roth - Silver medal
Rachela Paceearned Conference title
Mifri Veso - Ninth place
Dylan James - Gold medal
Nyaluet Diewconference victory/ broke school record 16.6m
Selma Ims, Shadae Findley, Fatoumata Kabo, Ida BreiganSilver medal
AJ Breault, Martin Kouyoumdjian, Hugo Menin, Mike Roth - Fourth place
Long Jump
Ida BreiganConference Champion
Ore Adamson - Silver medal
Christiaan Le RouxConference Champion 800 M
Victor CharoSeventh Place Heptathlon
Finn O’Neill - Ninth Place Weight Throw
Garrett StokesNinth Place 19.43 m
“Another
Dulany’s efforts propel men’s golf team at Desert Intercollegiate
By Alejandra Garza Staff Writer
The UTSA men’s golf team competed in its second spring-season tournament at the Classic Club in Palm Desert, California on Feb. 24 to Feb. 26.
With large water hazards, narrow fairways and elevated tee boxes, the Classic Club course can be challenging.
The course’s structure favored the Roadrunners as the team climbed the leaderboard finishing fifth. Though, one player stood out from the rest: sophomore Kaelen Dulany.
Dulany, who showcased an outstanding performance, set the tone for UTSA in the first round of the tournament. The Arkansas transfer secured the secondbest score in program history by shooting 7-under par. He also secured the fourthbest 36-hole score recorded after the first two days by a Roadrunner.
“Starting on hole 12, my seventh hole of the day, I birdied it and then just [went on] a run because I was hitting it really well,” Dulany said about his eightstraight first-round birdies. “I knew that if I kept hitting it well the putts would start falling, and it was truly magical to be able to do that.”
The mentality of a golfer must be positive — starting from the first tee box
until the last green. Dulany teed off on a par-4 fifth hole and recorded his only double bogey in the first round.
“That was a weird [first day] because I started with a double,” Dulany said about his mindset after a shaky start. “After that, I did a good job of just staying calm and forgetting about it.”
Throughout the three-day competition, Dulany’s consistency on the green played a pivotal role in his performance. With two double bogeys and four bogeys in total, he minimized mistakes by relying on his short game, an area he’s worked hard to refine. His ability to read the green and control his putting stroke allowed him to capitalize on scoring opportunities while avoiding unnecessary errors.
“[The conditions] were really good. The greens were really good, so I putted really well,” Dulany said. “Putting has been the area of the game I have been working on the most. It really paid off this week.”
By the end, Dulany finished even-par in the second and third round. The team will travel to Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida to compete in The Hayt from March 8 to March 10.
Creating a top tier community
By Haley Aguayo Sports Editor
Student-athletes are often told they are students first and athletes second, but what about a third?
How can a college athlete make the time to work in order to provide for themselves when their schedules are packed with games, practices, workouts and team appearances? What if athletes found a way to make a dime on their own time? At least two athletes from UTSA’s soccer team did.
Rylee Low and Michelle Polo are not your average college soccer players. In their spare time, if any, they are coaches with Top Tier Lessons here in San Antonio.
“I’m the director of the campus and Director for San Antonio,” Low said.
“I like my job. I recruit my teammates and to be coaches, so they can do one-on one-lessons too.”
Polo is one of Low’s closest friends and teammates that she has recruited for the job. Together, Low and Polo work with young athletes who play at any skill level during their “drop-ins” every Thursday from 5-6 p.m. to teach basic soccer techniques.
“We start by seeing what their skill level is and then we go from there,” Low said. “You can’t expect the lower skill level kids to do what you have in mind sometimes. So you have to improvise and keep them excited about what they’re doing so they stay engaged.”
Two athletes should have no problem keeping fellow athletes engaged in a sport they all share passion for. Though, as women who play at a DI collegiate level, Polo
and Low have faced their own share of struggles as they tackle their new role as coaches. That struggle is remembering to bring their coaching level back down to a basic level and learning how to teach it.
“It’s different than the team practice environment,” Polo stated. “It’s more individualized depending on who we are teaching but it’s overall different for us, because we’re obviously used to how we play so we have to take it back to the basics for them.”
Parents who showed up for drop-ins were delightfully surprised that soccer lessons were being offered so close to their homes, let alone in their community. It also doesn’t hurt to have two local college athletes for their kids to learn from.
“It might be exciting for them to get to hang out with us,” Low said. “They’ve probably not been around college athletes at all, so, hopefully they can look up to us and see that soccer is fun. It’s just like fun to be around them too.”
At the root of this, Top Tier Lessons has been a great outreach program for these UTSA athletes to earn wages as well as turn over a new leaf and transfer skills they’ve learned as athletes to coaching. It has been an overall great way for the women of UTSA’s soccer team to reach out to fellow soccer fans around them.
“It also helps us connect with the community,” Low said. “They’re excited about UTSA, and that was the whole reason for Top Tier, to get involved with the community.” I’ve actually gotten to
Roadrunners demolish Cardinals in exhibition
By Hannah Velasquez Assistant Sports Editor
UTSA soccer defeated the University of Incarnate Word 3-0 on Sunday during its first exhibition match at the Park West Athletics Complex.
The game was nothing short of an aggressive wrestling match for both teams. Each side fought by getting in each other’s way, pushing and shoving, in attempts to control the ball. Despite having 14 new transfers, the Roadrunners came out and played as a united front and fought hard defensively to take and stay in the lead.
A set piece executed by junior forward Izzy Lane, junior centerback Kameron Kloza and freshman forward Addy Johnson ended up being the final point of the game. Lane put the ball into play from the corner and
was quickly grabbed by Kloza as she attempted to headbutt the ball in.
UTSA was notably more fatigued during the third period of the game and UIW tried to take advantage of that with most of their shot attempts coming during this time. However, the Roadrunners defense stepped up to block their attempts, adopting an aggressive plan that caused both teams to go back-and-forth over possession. The Cardinals were quick to take the ball from the ‘Runners any chance they got in a desperate attempt to score a goal, but goalkeeper Jasmine Kessler was quicker, putting a stop to their efforts. Johnson quickly took the spotlight and set the tone for UTSA in the first few minutes of the game as she scored the first goal on a confused Robberts. The ball was thrown into play and was quickly snagged by the ‘Runners as Robberts blocked the first shot
attempt. Johnson, amidst the chaos in front of the goal, managed to grab the ball and score on the unsuspecting goalkeeper. Incarnate Word came out firing on all cylinders at the start of the second period as they remained in control throughout the beginning of it, capitalizing on passing errors made by the Roadrunners. The ‘Runners cleaned up on their passing errors to regain possession of the ball through the rest of the period in addition to their defense taking the lead for the tired team. The Roadrunners picked up five fouls in the first period to the Cardinals one and totaled 13 by the end of the match. The Roadrunners next exhibition game will be against the University of Houston at 2 p.m. Mar. 23 at the Park West Athletics Complex.
Addy Johnson scores a goal to beat the Cardinals
High Jump
400 M
Triple Jump
Shot Put
4x400
Paisano
Norris McClure (above) upt to bat and Cade Sadler (below) looks down as he locks in.
Armin Suljovic/The Paisano
UTSA soccer player Rylee Low coaches young athletes.
Rylan Renteria/The Paisano
UTSA undefeated at home to clinch AAC title
Jenkins and De Leon Negron’s final home game ends in historic win for UTSA
By Aramis Santiago Staff Writer
In a jam-packed senior day against Florida Atlantic University, the Roadrunners stymied the Owls by forcing missed shots and turnovers. UTSA sent senior forward Jordyn Jenkins and graduate guard Nina De Leon Negron off one last time at home with a 60-42 victory Saturday at the Convocation Center.
Feeding off a record-breaking 2,250 fans in attendance, UTSA (25-3, 16-1 AAC) held off multiple pushes from Florida Atlantic (10-20, 2-15 AAC) before pulling away late in the third quarter. Junior forward Maya Linton secured a doubledouble, while Jenkins chipped in 10 points despite a quiet offensive night. Though the Owls kept the game close early, the Roadrunners never relinquished their lead
down the stretch, securing their first-ever American Athletic Conference regularseason title and capping off a perfect 13-0 record at home.
“The push that was made to make this happen was pretty surreal,” coach Karen Aston said of the attendance. “Thanks a ton to the city for showing up today and hopefully we’ve started a fire with women’s basketball around here.”
On the offensive end, UTSA weathered multiple scoring droughts before regaining control late in the third quarter. Linton’s shooting helped space the floor, while Jenkins and junior guard Sidney Love capitalized on key opportunities to extend the lead.
Freshman guard Damara Allen provided an energy boost with a highlight putback late in the third, giving UTSA muchneeded momentum as they took control
heading into the final period.
“It was good to see Maya get back in a groove,” Aston said. “I thought Cheyenne hit some big shots today and Damara got back on track.”
Despite FAU’s defensive pressure, UTSA remained poised. Back-to-back threes from Linton and junior forward Cheyenne Rowe snapped a cold stretch, and Jenkins followed with a triple of her own to swing momentum back in UTSA’s favor. Linton then sealed her doubledouble early in the fourth with a deep twopointer, while sophomore forward Idara Udo took over inside, converting multiple layups to keep the Owls at bay. The Roadrunners’ ability to hit timely shots, combined with their defensive discipline, ensured that FAU never truly threatened a comeback in the final stretch.
The Roadrunners set the tone early
defensively, limiting FAU’s opportunities inside and forcing a string of early turnovers. The Roadrunners forced Florida Atlantic into difficult looks throughout the game, holding the Owls to 42 points on low efficiency. Linton’s presence in the paint also helped UTSA dominate the rebounding battle, as the team finished with a 43 to 28 edge on the glass. Jenkins and Linton each finished with 11 points, with Linton adding 10 rebounds. Udo and Rowe also contributed nine points apiece.
“We have one more game against East Carolina that we have to focus on,” Jenkins said. “Enjoy this moment now, but get ready for the next one because once that ball tips, no one is a champion.”
UTSA will end the regular season against the University of East Carolina at 5 p.m. Tuesday at the Minges Coliseum.
Roadrunners cut down net in historic victory
By Logan Martinez Staff Writer
In its final home game of the season, UTSA defeated Florida Atlantic University 60-42 Saturday at the Convocation Center to secure both the American Athletic Conference Championship and a recordsetting 25th regular season victory.
Celebrating senior night, the Roadrunners were led by their elite senior duo of forward Jordyn Jenkins and guard Nina De Leon Negron. Besting the Owls in nearly every statistical category, UTSA dominated all facets of the game. After building a double-digit lead early, the team never relinquished control. Their home showcase served as a crowning
point to the program’s incredible rebuild.
“It’s been a long, wonderful journey,” coach Karen Aston said. “We’re not done yet for sure.”
In what was more of a celebration than a regular season game, the Roadrunners effortlessly commanded the contest. Creating and holding a comfortable lead throughout regulation, the team continued to click offensively on all cylinders. The team’s defense also shined tremendously, as they held Florida Atlantic to long possessions and multiple shot clock violations.
Jenkins beamed bright in her final home performance, proving why she is deserving of the AAC Player of the Year award. The senior scored 11 points and
snagged seven rebounds in the blowout victory. Effortlessly scoring from the midrange and low-post, Jenkins overwhelmed the weary Owl defense. Her exit from the game at the one-minute mark sparked a thunderous roar from the audience as fans cheered for one of the greatest players in Roadrunner history.
“I remember when I first came here, I wanted to get to that top level,” Jenkins stated. “I put the work in for that. That’s turned into a reality here now.”
De Leon Negron and other ‘Runners also performed at a high level. With eight players contributing to the team’s offensive output and three breaking double-digits, the team showed no struggles in finishing at the basket.
UTSA bested the Owls with ease and secured the AAC regular season championship. The Convocation Center, once again, erupted as Jenkins hoisted up the AAC trophy. With celebrations ensuing, each player climbed the ladder to cut down a piece of the net. Bringing a regular season conference championship to UTSA, the ‘Runners set a new standard for women’s basketball in San Antonio.
“I kept trying not to cry,” De Leon Negron said. “It’s something I’ve never felt in my five years in college.”
The Roadrunners will take on East Carolina University for their final regular season game before gearing up for the American Athletic Conference tournament.
Campos champions female athletes for UTSA
By Haley Aguayo Sports Editor
Spring can be such a beautiful time for the Western Hemisphere. Flowers bloom, the sunshine feels warmer and daylight lasts longer. But more recently for a modern country such as America, the springtime month of March has been chosen to also represent National Women’s History Month — a month that many members of the athletic department deem important.
“For me, it’s really a time to reflect and celebrate,” Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Lisa Campos said of what National Women’s History Month means to her. “People forget that women didn’t have the opportunities that we have today, and we have to really reflect on that. We’ve got to remember that that was once the norm to not include or value women, how far we’ve come but then also how much further we need to go.”
Campos was hired by UTSA seven years ago to serve as the university’s second female VP for the athletics department. Since her start, she has helped guide the school toward unprecedented success. With her help, the school fundraised and received million dollar investments to build a new basketball and volleyball training facility, the Park West facilities and the Roadrunner Athletics Center of Excellence, which Campos oversaw.
“When I first got here seven years ago, the vision for the building we’re in today was supposed to be football only,” Campos said about the RACE. “We really shifted that way of thinking. We have close to 400 student-athletes. They don’t all have a division one sports medicine area or a weight room so we had to really reenvision and reimagine a facility that would become the hub of UTSA athletics to serve all of our student-athletes.
“We knew that our soccer team and our track and field teams needed the support in that facility. We know softball and baseball are the next projects that need that support. So at the end of day we thought, ‘How do we support these student-athletes to not just be successful in competition, but academically and in life?’ That’s what we’re really striving for by building all of this. When we first opened this building, I had student athletes coming to me saying, ‘Now feel like a true Division I studentathlete.’ It had such a major impact on how they felt.”
Now, three men’s teams have or will get new homes, but now five of UTSA’s women’s teams have already received or will receive training facilities over the next two years. But none of this would have come to fruition without an excellent staff behind the teams that have earned these facilities, afterall, it takes a village. With the hiring of head coaches such as Karen Aston and Vann Stuedeman and coming into the role already having Ki Kroll, three programs in particular have reached new heights.
“Being a female athletic director and knowing those opportunities are really important,” Campos said about the role she plays as a woman in a leadership role. “To me, it all starts with hiring great coaches and great staff who are supporting our student-athletes, but our female student-athletes in particular, need these types of role models and need to see and feel and experience really great success and mentorship.
“For Karen Aston to be our women’s basketball head coach here at UTSA, we are so blessed and privileged, and to think about the experience that she’s bringing to UTSA. There was never any doubt that she was going to lead us into what she has this year. Then to hire Vann,
with her experience and how, in a short time, she’s turning that program around. Ki’s been here for a couple years now – his philosophy and how he’s recruited the student athletes, it starts with the head coaches and then the people we’re surrounding our teams with.”
It is so important that the women in the athletic department at UTSA feel supported. Without them the women’s basketball team would never have earned its first AAC Regular Season Champions title before their season even ended. The softball team and the women’s tennis team’s both earned their respective programs best starts ever with a 5-0 start and 13-0 run.
Clockwise: Jordyn Jenkins lifts trophy, Idara Udo plays in confetti, Nina De Leon Negron and Jenkins with framed jerseys, Maya Linton throws up “W”, the team celebrates.
Rylan Renteria/The Paisano
Lisa Campos celebrates with